21. Illinois Fighting Illini - 8-3
In the season's first test, Illinois gave up 100 points in a loss to Alabama. But they’ve looked much more impressive since beating Arkansas on Thanksgiving, Wisconsin in Big Ten play, and Missouri in the Braggin Rights’ game. The other two losses were at Northwestern in OT and No. 1 Tennessee, neither of which should be viewed as bad losses.
In the last year of the COVID-era, seniors are at a big risk of being led by freshmen players. But it’s working out for the Illini, with its top three scorers being first-year players. Kasparas Jakucionis leads the team with 16.5 ppg and 5.5 apg, while center Tomislav Ivisic is averaging nearly a double-double. Will Riley, a projected first-round NBA Draft pick, is putting up 12.5 ppg off the bench.
Arizona transfer Kylan Boswell (10.6 ppg and 3.5 apg) has been one of the top perimeter defenders in the country, while former Louisville wing Tre White has been another impactful newcomer to the starting lineup. The defense has quietly become a strength of theirs, ranking 4th nationally in 3-pt defense at 26%.
Illinois goes out west for Big Ten games after a home game with Chicago State to end the non-con. They take on Oregon and Washington in hopes of getting at least a road split before taking on Penn State and USC at home.